Method for controlling synchronization of plurality of image sensors and electronic device for implementing same

ABSTRACT

Provided in various embodiments are an electronic device and a method therefor, the electronic device comprising: a first image sensor; a second image sensor electrically connected through a designated interface to the first image sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor is set to determine parameter information, for controlling the first image sensor and the second image sensor, in relation to photographing and transmit the determined parameter information to the first image sensor and the second image sensor, and the first image sensor is set to transmit a reflection signal through the designated interface to the second image sensor such that the second image sensor uses the parameter information in response to the reflection signal. In addition, other embodiments are possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to a method and an apparatus for controllingsynchronization of a plurality of image sensors.

BACKGROUND ART

With the recent enhancement of digital technology, various types ofelectronic devices such as mobile communication terminals, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), electronic schedulers, smal phones, tabletpersonal computers (PCs), wearable devices, or the like are widely used.To support and increase functions of such electronic devices, hardwareportions and/or software portions of electronic devices are continuouslydeveloped. For example, an electronic device may include a dual camera,and may synthesize two images of different portions shot by respectivecameras into one image and may provide the image. For example, since onecamera focuses on a subject and the other camera shoots a background,the dual camera may provide an effect of widening a camera viewing angle(for example, the wide angle effect). The electronic device may use morecameras according to necessary performance and configuration, inaddition to the dual camera including two cameras.

In the case of the dual camera, for example, the dual camera may includetwo or more image sensors for a single lens, or may include two or morepairs of lenses and image sensors (for example, two lenses and two imagesensors), with each pair including one lens and one image sensor. Thetwo or more lenses may be configured to have the same viewingangle/aperture, or may be configured to have different viewingangles/apertures. In addition, the two or more image sensors may use notonly image sensors of RGB Bayer pattern employing primary color filters,but also image sensors using RGB-IR (for example, an image sensor addinga color filter enabling to see an IR band, in addition to the RGB Bayerpattern), monochrome or complementary color filters.

When there are a plurality of image sensors, each image sensor shouldapply a changed shooting parameter at the same time as the other imagesensors every time the shooting parameter is changed. For example, therespective image sensors may shoot with a time gap to implement afunction like wide dynamic range, but, when post-processing is performedwith respect to images shot by using the plurality of image sensors, itshould be assumed that most of the image sensors shoot at the same time,and various methods for shooting at the same time are introduced.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

To obtain images from the plurality of image sensors at the same time,power should be applied to all of the image sensors at the same time,and also, a shooting parameter should be set at the same time andshooting should be performed at the same time. However, even if power issupplied at the same time, it may be very difficult to set a shootingparameter and to shoot at the same time. Considering that operationspeeds are not completely the same according to hardware of the imagesensors, it is almost impossible to obtain images from the plurality ofimage sensors at the same time due to a system problem in the electronicdevice, even before considering other factors.

For example, when a shooting parameter is set in software and the imagesensors are controlled according to the set shooting parameter, theshooting parameter may be changed to a sensor-dedicated operationparameter (for example, an exposure counter according to clock, a framecounter, a gain, etc.) that may be interpreted by the image sensors, andmay be converted into an electric signal through a communication channel(for example, an inter integrated circuit (I2C)) connected to the imagesensor through middleware/kernel driver, and may be transmitted to therespective image sensors.

For example, in the case of an Android system, if a shooting parameteris determined and is reflected in an application running on an Androidruntime (for example, Dalvik VM or Art VM), a method for interpreting ashooting condition at a native library and converting the parameter intoa sensor-dedicated operation parameter may be invoked. The convertedoperation parameter may go through a complicated step to be output to aphysical interface connected with the image sensor through a hardwareabstraction layer and a linux kernel driver. In particular, if theplurality of image sensors are connected to one physical interface (forexample, one channel), the shooting parameter is set in the respectiveimage sensors in sequence and thus much time may be required. To reducethe required time, the respective image sensors may be assignedrespective channels and may use the channels. However, in this case, theshooting parameter may not be transmitted to the respective imagesensors at the same time due to problems of a processing priority of anoperating system, interrupt, a time difference in transmitting throughmiddleware/kernel driver. In addition, if the plurality of image sensorshave different standards (or performance), calculations performed whenthe shooting parameter is changed may be different, and an amount ofparameter that should be transmitted may be different. Therefore, it maybe impossible for the different image sensors to shoot images at thesame time.

Various embodiments may provide a method and an apparatus forcontrolling parameter information for shooting to be reflected at thesame time in a plurality of image sensors.

Solution to Problem

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a firstimage sensor; a second image sensor electrically connected with thefirst image sensor through a designated interface; and a processor,wherein the processor is configured to: determine parameter informationfor controlling the first image sensor and the second image sensorregarding shooting; and transmit the determined parameter information tothe first image sensor and the second image sensor, wherein the firstimage sensor is configured to transmit a reflection signal to the secondimage sensor through the designated interface to cause the second imagesensor to use the parameter information in response to the reflectionsignal.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a firstimage sensor; a second image sensor; and a processor connected with thefirst image sensor and the second image sensor through a designatedinterface, wherein the processor is configured to: determine parameterinformation for controlling the first image sensor and the second imagesensor regarding shooting; transmit the determined parameter informationto the first image sensor and the second image sensor; and transmit areflection signal to the first image sensor and the second image sensorto cause the first image sensor and the second image sensor to use theparameter information in response to the reflection signal transmittedthrough the designated interface.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a firstimage sensor; a second image sensor electrically connected with thefirst image sensor through a first interface; and a processor includinga second interface connected with the first image sensor, wherein theprocessor is configured to: determine parameter information forcontrolling the first image sensor and the second image sensor regardingshooting; transmit the determined parameter information to the firstimage sensor and the second image sensor; and transmit a reflectionsignal for use of the parameter information through the secondinterface, wherein the first image sensor is configured to receive thereflection signal from the processor through the second interface, andto transmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor through thefirst interface to cause the second image sensor to use the parameterinformation in response to the reflection signal.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to various embodiments, the processor transmits parameterinformation to a plurality of image sensors, and the processor or amaster image sensor transmits a control signal to reflect the parameterinformation to the other image sensors, such that the parameterinformation can be reflected at the plurality of image sensors at thesame time.

According to various embodiments, an image shot at the plurality ofimage sensors at the same time can be obtained.

According to various embodiments, operations necessary for providing anadded value or an effect (depth map, live focus, Bokeh, etc.) to animage obtained by a camera module in which a viewing angle,configuration, position of a lens is different, and types, resolutions,etc. of color filters of image sensors are differently configured can bereduced.

According to various embodiments, operations necessary for reflectingparameter information can be reduced, and thus heat emission of anelectronic device can be reduced and a processing speed can be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a networkenvironment according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 of a camera module 180 according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a function processing modulein an electronic device according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are views illustrating configurations of a processor anda plurality of image sensors according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processor operating method of anelectronic device according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating a master image sensoroperating method of an electronic device according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a slave image sensor operating methodof an electronic device according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a processorand a plurality of image sensors according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of reflecting parameterinformation at different times in a plurality of image sensors accordingto various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of reflecting parameterinformation at the same time in a plurality of image sensors accordingto various embodiments;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of aprocessor and a plurality of image sensors according to variousembodiments; and

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of transmitting a reflectionsignal from a master image sensor according to various embodiments.

BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are mentioned below with referenceto the accompanying drawings. However, various embodiments and the termsused in various embodiments do not intend to limit a technologymentioned in the disclosure to a specific embodiment form, and should beunderstood as including various modifications, equivalents and/oralternatives of various embodiments. With regard to a description of thedrawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer like components.And, an embodiment disclosed in the disclosure has been suggested forexplanation and understanding of the technology disclosed, and does notlimit the scope of the technology mentioned in the disclosure.Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be interpreted asincluding all changes or various other embodiments that are based on thetechnological spirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in anetwork environment 100 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 in the networkenvironment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via afirst network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network),or an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to anembodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with theelectronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment,the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, aninput device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, anaudio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189,a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g.,the display device 160 or the camera module 180) of the components maybe omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more othercomponents may be added in the electronic device 101. In someembodiments, some of the components may be implemented as singleintegrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., afingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may beimplemented as embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware orsoftware component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with theprocessor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation.According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing orcomputation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received fromanother component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communicationmodule 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the datastored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data innon-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g.,a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), asensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that isoperable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may beadapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to bespecific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may beimplemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions orstates related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160,the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among thecomponents of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state,or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 isin an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to anembodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processoror a communication processor) may be implemented as part of anothercomponent (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190)functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component(e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronicdevice 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g.,the program 140) and input data or output data for a command relatedthererto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or thenon-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and mayinclude, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, oran application 146.

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by othercomponent (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, fromthe outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The inputdevice 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or akeyboard.

The sound output device 155 may output sound signals to the outside ofthe electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, forexample, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for generalpurposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receivermay be used for an incoming call. According to an embodiment, thereceiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside(e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 mayinclude, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector andcontrol circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display,hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the displaydevice 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, orsensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure theintensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal andvice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtainthe sound via the input device 150, or output the sound via the soundoutput device 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g.,an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupledwith the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power ortemperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state(e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, andthen generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to thedetected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 mayinclude, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmosphericpressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gripsensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, abiometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or anilluminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be usedfor the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) orwirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include,for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universalserial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or anaudio interface.

A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which theelectronic device 101 may be physically connected with the externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to anembodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMIconnector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector(e.g., a headphone connector),

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalstimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus whichmay be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinestheticsensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 mayinclude, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electricstimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images.According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one ormore lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to theelectronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power managementmodule 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a powermanagement integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 mayinclude, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, asecondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g.,wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) andperforming communication via the established communication channel Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communicationprocessors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g.,the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired)communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment,the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wirelesscommunication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a localarea network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication(PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules maycommunicate with the external electronic device via the first network198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BLUETOOTH,wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA))or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network,such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g.,LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communicationmodules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip),or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separatefrom each other.

The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate theelectronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the firstnetwork 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information(e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in thesubscriber identification module 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to orfrom the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197 may include one or more antennas, and, therefrom, at least oneantenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communicationnetwork, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may beselected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., thewireless communication module 192). The signal or the power may then betransmitted or received between the communication module 190 and theexternal electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutuallyand communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via aninter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purposeinput and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted orreceived between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Eachof the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of a same type as,or a different type, from the electronic device 101.

According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed atthe electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the externalelectronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronicdevice 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or inresponse to a request from a user or another device, the electronicdevice 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or theservice, may request the one or more external electronic devices toperform at least part of the function or the service. The one or moreexternal electronic devices receiving the request may perform the atleast part of the function or the service requested, or an additionalfunction or an additional service related to the request, and transferan outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. Theelectronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without furtherprocessing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request.To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-servercomputing technology may be used, for example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating the camera module 180according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the camera module 180 may include a lens assembly210, a flash 220, an image sensor 230, an image stabilizer 240, memory250 (e.g., buffer memory), or an image signal processor 260. The lensassembly 210 may collect light emitted or reflected from an object whoseimage is to be taken. The lens assembly 210 may include one or morelenses. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include aplurality of lens assemblies 210. In such a case, the camera module 180may be, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a sphericalcamera. the plurality of lens assemblies 210 may have the same lensattribute (e.g., view angle, focal length, auto-focusing, f number, oroptical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lensattributes different from those of another lens assembly. The lensassembly 210 may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephotolens. The flash 220 may emit light that is used to reinforce lightreflected from an object. According to an embodiment, the flash 220 mayinclude one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., a red-green-blue(RGB) LED, a white LED, an infrared (IR) LED, or an ultraviolet (UV)LED) or a xenon lamp.

The image sensor 230 may obtain an image corresponding to an object byconverting light transmitted from the object via the lens assembly 210into an electrical signal. According to an embodiment, the image sensor230 may include one selected from image sensors having differentattributes, such as a RGB sensor, a black-and-white (BW) sensor, an IRsensor, or a UV sensor, a plurality of image sensors having the sameattribute, or a plurality of image sensors having different attributes.Each image sensor included in the image sensor 230 may be implementedas, for example, a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor or acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The image stabilizer 240 may move or control (e.g., adjust the read-outtiming) the image sensor 230 or at least one lens included in the lensassembly 210 in a particular direction of the image sensor 230 inresponse to the movement of the camera module 180 or the electronicdevice 101 including the camera module 180 for compensating for at leastpart of a negative effect (e.g., image blurring) by the movement on animage being captured. According to an embodiment, the image stabilizer240 may be implemented, for example, as an optical image stabilizer, andmay sense the movement using a gyro sensor (not shown) or anacceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the cameramodule 180.

The memory 250 may store, at least temporarily, at least part of animage obtained via the image sensor 230 for a subsequent imageprocessing task. For example, if image capturing is delayed due toshutter lag or multiple images are quickly captured, a raw imageobtained (e.g., a high-resolution image) may be stored in the memory250, and its corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) maybe previewed via the display device 160. Thereafter, if a specifiedcondition is met (e.g., by a user's input or system command), at leastpart of the raw image stored in the memory 250 may be obtained andprocessed, for example, by the image signal processor 260. According toan embodiment, the memory 250 may be configured as at least part of thememory 130 or as a separate memory that is operated independently fromthe memory 130.

The image signal processor 260 may perform image processing (e.g., depthmap generation, three-dimensional (3D) modeling, panorama generation,feature point extraction, image synthesizing, or image compensation(e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment,blurring, sharpening, or softening)) with respect to an image obtainedvia the image sensor 230 or an image stored in the memory 250.Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor 260 mayperform control (e.g., exposure time control or read-out timing control)with respect to at least one (e.g., the image sensor 230) of thecomponents included in the camera module 180.

An image processed by the image signal processor 260 may be stored backin the memory 250 for further processing, or may be provided to anexternal component (e.g., the memory 130, the display device 160, theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108)outside the camera module 180. According to an embodiment, the imagesignal processor 260 may be configured as at least part of the processor120, or as a separate processor that is operated independently from theprocessor 120. If the image signal processor 260 is configured as aseparate processor from the processor 120, images processed by the imagesignal processor 260 may be displayed, by the processor 120, via thedisplay device 160 as it is or after being further processed.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include two ormore camera modules 180 having different attributes or functions. Insuch a case, at least one camera module may be, for example, awide-angle camera or a front camera and at least another camera modulemay be a telephoto camera or a rear camera. Alternatively depending on amechanical configuration, one or more modules serve as a front cameraand a rear camera.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a function processing modulein an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an example of a function processing module 300related to determining parameter information for shooting in anelectronic device (for example, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ),and transmitting the determined parameter information to a plurality ofimage sensors is illustrated. In various embodiments, the functionprocessing module 300 may be included in a processor (for example, theprocessor 120 of FIG. 1 ) including a processing circuitry as a hardwaremodule or a software module.

The function processing module 300 may process operations of determiningparameter information for shooting, and transmitting the determinedparameter information to the plurality of image sensors. In addition,the function processing module 300 may process an operation oftransmitting a reflection signal to reflect (or use) parameterinformation to the plurality of image sensors or a master image sensor(for example, a first image sensor). To achieve this, the functionprocessing module 300 may include a shooting state determination module310, a parameter determination module 320, or a reflection time controlmodule 330.

The shooting state determination module 310 may detect whether thecamera module 180 of the electronic device 101 is operated. For example,when a user executes a camera application installed in the electronicdevice 101, the shooting state determination module 310 may determinethat the camera module 180 is operated. Alternatively, when the userselects a camera function in an executed application while executing theapplication (for example, a message (or messenger) application, a webpage application), the shooting state determination module 310 maydetermine that the camera module 180 is operated.

The parameter determination module 320 may determine a parameter of animage sensor (for example, the image sensor 230) included in theelectronic device 101. The parameter determination module 320 accordingto various embodiments may determine parameter information, based on atleast one of setting of the user, a state of the electronic device 101,a shooting mode set in the electronic device 101, a characteristic (ortype) of the image sensor 230, or whether the image sensor 230 isoperated or not. The user may change the parameter of the image sensor230 by selecting a button (or key) related to the camera function whichis displayed on a display (for example, the display device 160) of theelectronic device 101. The state of the electronic device 101 may berelated to a surrounding environment (or situation), and may indicatewhether the environment is dark or bright. The shooting mode may includevarious modes such as an auto mode, a portrait mode, a landscape mode, apanorama mode, a surround mode, or a night shooting mode. Thecharacteristic of the image sensor 230 may vary according to a shootingmethod of the image sensor 230 (for example, a charge coupled device(CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)), an operationspeed, the number of pixels, hardware, or performance. When there are aplurality of image sensors 230, only one image sensor may be used, onlysome of the image sensors (for example, only three or two imagesensors), or all of the image sensors may be used according to settingof the user or setting of the electronic device 101. The parameterinformation may include at least one of a shutter speed, an aperture,international organization for standardization (ISO) (sensitivity), anexposure time (or an exposure value), a frame counter, a white balance,a magnification, or a gain.

The parameter determination module 320 may change (or determine) theparameter information of the image sensor 230 in real time. Theparameter determination module 320 may transmit the determined parameterinformation to the image sensor 230. When there are the plurality ofimage sensors 230, the parameter determination module 320 according tovarious embodiments may determine parameter information for each imagesensor. For example, the parameter determination module 320 maydetermine first parameter information for a first image sensor, and maytransmit the determined first parameter information to the first imagesensor. In addition, the parameter determination module 320 maydetermine second parameter information for a second image sensor, andmay transmit the determined second parameter information to the secondimage sensor. The parameter determination module 320 may determineparameter information for two image sensors at the same time or insequence, and may transmit the parameter information at the same time orin sequence.

When the parameter of the image sensor 230 is changed, the reflectiontime control module 330 may control a time to reflect the changedparameter information on the image sensor 230. For example, when thereare the plurality of image sensors 230, a time at which each imagesensor receives the changed parameter information or a time at whicheach image sensor reflects the changed parameter may be differentaccording to performance of the electronic device 101, performance ofeach image sensor, or a degree of load of the processor 120. When theparameter information is reflected at different times, there may be aproblem in synthesizing (or processing) images shot by the two imagesensors into one image. For example, when two images shot at differenttimes are synthesized into one image, there may be a phenomenon that anobject (for example, a person) included in the synthesized image appearsto overlap. The reflection time control module 330 may transmit areflection signal including the parameter information reflection time tothe image sensor 230 after the parameter information is transmitted.

When there are the plurality of image sensors 230, the image sensors mayreceive the parameter information at different times according toperformance of the electronic device 101 (for example, a system internalconfiguration) or performance of the image sensors. For example, thefirst image sensor may receive the first parameter information at theN-th (N is a natural number) frame, and the second image sensor mayreceive the second parameter information at the N+1-th frame. Thereflection time control module 330 may transmit the reflection signal tothe image sensor 230 after the parameter information is transmitted, inorder to make the times to reflect (or use) the parameter informationcoincide with one another although the image sensors receive theparameter information at different times. For example, when theparameter information is transmitted at the N-th frame, the reflectiontime control module 330 may transmit the reflection signal at the N+1-thframe, such that the first image sensor and the second image sensorreflect the parameter information at the N+2-th frame.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are views illustrating configurations of a processor anda plurality of image sensors according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a configuration in which the processor 120 transmitsparameter information to a plurality of image sensors 230-1, 230-2, anda first image sensor (or a master image sensor) 230-1 of the pluralityof image sensors 230-1, 230-2 transmits a reflection signal including aparameter information reflection time to a second image sensor (or aslave image sensor) 230-2.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 mayinclude a first interface 125 connected with the first image sensor230-1, and a second interface 126 connected with the second image sensor230-2. Herein, the first interface 125 (hereinafter, referred to as a“first I2C channel”) and the second interface 126 (hereinafter, referredto as a “second I2C channel”) may refer to inter integrated circuit(I2C) pins (or I2C channels).

In an embodiment, the I2C channel may be used to transmit a parameter,but other communication interfaces including a serial peripheralinterface (SPI) may be used in addition to the I2C according to aspecification or a hardware structure of the image sensor. The processor120 may determine parameter information for each of the plurality ofimage sensors 230-1, 230-2, and may transmit the determined parameterinformation. The parameter information may be determined in response toeach image sensor. For example, the processor 120 may transmit firstparameter information to the first image sensor 230-1 through the firstI2C channel 125, and may transmit second parameter information to thesecond image sensor 230-2 through the second I2C channel 126.

The first image sensor 230-1 may include an I2C channel 231 connectedwith the processor 120, and a general-purpose input output (GPIO) 233connected with the second image sensor 230-2. In an embodiment, a GPIOport is used, but a port that is not used during simultaneous operationsmay be used as a port for transmitting the reflection signal, or adedicated port for transmitting the reflection signal may be added andused according to a specification or a hardware structure of the imagesensor. This is equally applied to other embodiments.

The first image sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameter informationfrom the processor 120 through the I2C channel 231. After receiving thefirst parameter information, the first image sensor 230-1 may transmit areflection signal instructing to reflect the second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2. For example, the firstimage sensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signal to the secondimage sensor 230-2 through the GPIO 233. The first image sensor 230-1may reflect the first parameter information after (or at the same timeas) transmitting the reflection signal.

The second image sensor 230-2 may include an I2C channel 235 connectedwith the processor 120, and a GPIO 237 connected with the first imagesensor 230-1. The second image sensor 230-2 may receive the secondparameter information from the processor 120 through the I2C channel235. When the second image sensor 230-2 receives the reflection signalfrom the first image sensor 230-1 through the GPIO 237, the second imagesensor 230-2 may reflect the second parameter information. Afterreceiving the second parameter information, the second image sensor230-2 may wait until the reflection signal is received, and, when thereflection signal is received, may reflect the second parameterinformation.

According to a related-art method, when the processor transmitsparameter information to a plurality of image sensors, the plurality ofimage sensors may reflect the parameter information as soon as theyreceive the parameter information. Therefore, when the image sensorsreceive the parameter information at different times, the parameterinformation may be reflected at different times. However, when theconfiguration shown in FIG. 4A is implemented, the processor 120 mayonly transmit the parameter information, and then, the first imagesensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signal to instruct to reflectthe parameter information to the second image sensor 230-2. In thiscase, even when the first image sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor230-2 receive the parameter information at different times, theparameter information is reflected after the first image sensor 230-1transmits the reflection signal, such that the first image sensor 230-1and the second image sensor 230-2 can reflect the parameter informationat the same time without a time gap.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating a configuration in which the processor120 transmits parameter information to the plurality of image sensors230-1, 230-2, and then, transmits a reflection signal including aparameter information reflection time to the plurality of image sensors230-1, 230-2.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 mayinclude the first I2C channel 125 connected with the first image sensor230-1, the second I2C channel 126 connected with the second image sensor230-2, and a signal line (SIG) 127 to transmit a reflection signal tothe first image sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2. Theprocessor 120 is not required to separately use a dedicated port totransmit the parameter information or the reflection signal to the firstimage sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2, and may use anexisting GPIO port or may exclusively use a port that is used for otherpurposes but is not used when the image sensor is operated.

The processor 120 may determine parameter information for each of theplurality of image sensors 230-1, 230-2, and may transmit the determinedparameter information. The parameter information may be determined inresponse to each image sensor. For example, the processor 120 maytransmit first parameter information to the first image sensor 230-1through the first I2C channel 125, and may transmit second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second I2Cchannel 126. Thereafter, the processor 120 may transmit a reflectionsignal instructing to reflect the first parameter information and thesecond parameter information to the plurality of image sensors 230-1,230-2 through the signal line 127.

For example, when the processor 120 transmits parameter information atthe N-th frame, a time at which the parameter information is actuallyreflected may be the next frame (N+1) or the frame (N+2) after the nextframe after the parameter information is received. Even if the firstimage sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 receive theparameter information at different times through the I2C channel (forexample, the I2C channel 231 or the I2C channel 235), when the processor120 transmits the reflection signal after a float time enough toconsider that the parameter information is transmitted to the pluralityof image sensors 230-1, 230-2 is elapsed, the parameter information maybe reflected just at the time that the reflection signal is received.The parameter information transmitted through the I2C channel (forexample, the first I2C channel 125, the second I2C channel 126) may betransmitted at different times due to an internal system problem of theelectronic device 101. In addition, the parameter information containsmore data than the reflection signal, and there may be a delay intransmitting the parameter information. However, the reflection signalhas a simple value such as 0 (inactive or low) or 1 (active or high)like a clock signal, and may be transmitted without a delay.

In the case of an android system, for example, when a round trip testperformed to measure performance of an audio, which has a similarstructure as a camera system in the android system, is performed, adelay speed may be 91 ms. The round trip test is a test for measuring atime taken to output a voice signal through a speaker (for example, thesound output device 155) of the electronic device 101 after a voicesignal is inputted to a microphone of the electronic device 101.However, when a shooting parameter is transmitted to the plurality ofimage sensors 230-1, 230-2 from the processor 120, a path correspondingto a half of the path through which signals pass in the round trip testof the audio, that is, a path from the processor 120 to the outputdevice (for example, the speaker), is required, and thus it may beestimated that substantially a half of the time is required.Accordingly, the float time may be calculated based on a time taken fora signal to be transmitted to an output queue of the I2C channel (thefirst I2C channel 125, the second I2C channel 126), and a time taken forthe signal to be output from the output queue. For example, when it isassumed that the time taken to be transmitted to the output queue is ahalf of 91 ms which is derived from the audio round trip test, 45.5 ms,and an operation is performed at 390 kHz, an output time of about 0.11ms is required for each line. Accordingly, the processor 120 maycalculate an optimal float time based on characteristics of theplurality of image sensors 230-1, 230-2, a hardware configuration andperformance of the electronic device 101.

For example, when the first parameter information arrives at the outputqueue of the I2C channel (for example, the first I2C channel 125, thesecond I2C channel 126) at the same time without a time gap, and imagesensors each requiring only one line in setting an integration time, aframe length line, an analog gain without a waiting time in thetransmission queue of the I2C channel are connected to separate I2Cchannels (for example, the I2C channel 231, the I2C 235) having theirrespective transmission queues, and are driven, a minimum time requiredfor the parameter information to arrive at the image sensor may be 45.83ms. If the transmission queue is shared, a minimum time required for theparameter information to arrive at the image sensor may be 46.16 ms. Thedelay time of 46.16 ms in the image sensor operating at 30 fps maycorrespond to a time as long as 1.38 frames. Accordingly, the processor120 may determine a time to transmit the reflection signal byconsidering the float time. The processor 120 may change the address ofthe signal line 127 to control the reflection signal to be transmittedto the first image sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2,respectively. Examples of the audio-related delay time of the androidsystem or the float time are just provided for easy understanding of thepresent disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited by thedescriptions provided above.

The first image sensor 230-1 may include the I2C channel 231 connectedwith the processor 120, and the GPIO 233 connected with the processor120. The first image sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameterinformation through the I2C channel 231. In addition, the first imagesensor 230-1 may receive the reflection signal instructing to reflectthe first parameter information from the processor 120 through the GPIO233. When the first image sensor 230-1 receives the reflection signal,the first image sensor 230-1 may reflect the first parameterinformation.

The second image sensor 230-2 may include the I2C channel 235 connectedwith the processor 120, and the GPIO 237 connected with the processor120. The second image sensor 230-2 may receive the second parameterinformation from the processor 120 through the I2C channel 235. Inaddition, the second image sensor 230-2 may receive the reflectionsignal instructing to reflect the second parameter information from theprocessor 120 through the GPIO 237. When the second image sensor 230-2receives the reflection signal, the second image sensor 230-2 mayreflect the second parameter information.

FIG. 4C is a view illustrating a configuration in which the processor120 transmits parameter information and a reflection signal to reflectthe parameter information to the plurality of image sensors 230-1,230-2, and the first image sensor 230-1 from among the plurality ofimage sensors 230-1, 230-2 determines a time to reflect the parameterinformation, and transmits the reflection signal including thereflection time to the second image sensor 230-2.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 mayinclude the first I2C channel 125 connected with the first image sensor230-1, the second I2C channel 126 connected with the second image sensor230-2, and the signal line (SIG) 127 to transmit a reflection signal tothe first image sensor 230-1. For example, the processor 120 maytransmit first parameter information to the first image sensor 230-1through the first I2C channel 125, and may transmit second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second I2Cchannel 126. Thereafter, the processor 120 may transmit a reflectionsignal instructing to reflect the first parameter information to thefirst image sensor 230-1 through the signal line 127. The processor 120has only to transmit the reflection signal to the first image sensor230-1 and thus its workload can be reduced.

The first image sensor 230-1 may include the I2C channel 231 connectedwith the processor 120, a first GPIO 232 connected with the processor120, and a second GPIO 233 connected with the second image sensor 230-2.The first image sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameter informationfrom the processor 120 through the I2C channel 231. The first imagesensor 230-1 may receive the reflection signal instructing to reflectthe first parameter information from the processor 120 through the firstGPIO 232. When the first image sensor 230-1 receives the reflectionsignal, the first image sensor 230-1 may determine when to transmit thereceived reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2.

The first image sensor 230-1 may further include a micro controller unit(MCU) which is not shown, and the MCU may determine a time to transmitthe reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2. The first imagesensor 230-1 may determine the time to transmit the reflection signal,based on a delay time at which the second parameter information istransmitted to the second image sensor 230-2. If the first image sensor230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 are sensors of different types(or even if the first image sensor 230-1 and the second image sensor230-2 are sensors of the same type), they may receive the firstparameter information and the second parameter information at differenttimes. In this case, after a predetermined time (for example, after twoframes) after receiving the reflection signal, the first image sensor230-1 may transmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor230-2 through the second GPIO 233. The first image sensor 230-1 mayreflect the first parameter information after (or at the same time as)transmitting the reflection signal.

The second image sensor 230-2 may include the I2C channel 235 connectedwith the processor 120, and the GPIO 237 connected with the first imagesensor 230-1. The second image sensor 230-2 may receive the secondparameter information from the processor 120 through the I2C channel235. The second image sensor 230-2 may reflect the second parameterinformation when receiving the reflection signal from the first imagesensor 230-1 through the GPIO 237. After receiving the second parameterinformation, the second image sensor 230-2 may wait until the reflectionsignal is received, and then, when the reflection signal is received,may reflect the second parameter information.

Although FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate that the processor 120 individuallyuses the channels I2C communicating with the respective image sensors(for example, the first I2C channel 125 communicating with the firstimage sensor 230-1, the second I2C channel 126 communicating with thesecond image sensor 230-2), the processor 120 may include one I2Cchannel For example, the processor 120 may use one physically Y-shapedI2C channel (for example, in a state in which one I2C channel of theprocessor 120, the I2C channel 231 of the first image sensor 230-1, andthe I2C channel 235 of the second image sensor 230-2 are connected withone another), but may change the address to distinguish the imagesensors from one another.

Although two image sensors are illustrated in the drawings, theelectronic device 101 may include two or more image sensors. One imagesensor of the plurality of image sensors may be a “master image sensor,”and the other image sensors may be “slave image sensors.” The slaveimage sensor may receive parameter information from the processor 120,and may receive a reflection signal from the processor 120 or the masterimage sensor. Alternatively, the image sensors may include a pluralityof “master image sensors” and a plurality of “slave image sensors”subordinate to each “master image sensor.”

The electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may includethe first image sensor 230-1, the second image sensor 230-2 electricallyconnected with the first image sensor through a designated interface(for example, the GPIO 237); and the processor 120, and the processormay be configured to: determine parameter information for controllingthe first image sensor and the second image sensor regarding shooting;and transmit the determined parameter information to the first imagesensor and the second image sensor, and the first image sensor may beconfigured to transmit a reflection signal to the second image sensorthrough the designated interface to cause the second image sensor to usethe parameter information in response to the reflection signal.

The processor may be configured to: determine first parameterinformation corresponding to the first image sensor, and to determinesecond parameter information corresponding to the second image sensor;and to transmit the first parameter information to the first imagesensor, and to transmit the second parameter information to the secondimage sensor.

The first image sensor may be configured to transmit the reflectionsignal to the second image sensor after receiving the parameterinformation.

The second image sensor may be configured to receive the parameterinformation, and to delay an operation of using the parameterinformation until the reflection signal is received.

The first image sensor may be configured to reflect the parameterinformation after transmitting the reflection signal.

The electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may includethe first image sensor 230-1, the second image sensor 230-2, and theprocessor 120 connected with the first image sensor and the second imagesensor through a designated interface, and the processor may beconfigured to: determine parameter information for controlling the firstimage sensor and the second image sensor regarding shooting; transmitthe determined parameter information to the first image sensor and thesecond image sensor; and transmit a reflection signal to the first imagesensor and the second image sensor to cause the first image sensor andthe second image sensor to use the parameter information in response tothe reflection signal transmitted through the designated interface.

The processor may be configured to transmit the reflection signalthrough the designated interface after transmitting the parameterinformation.

The first image sensor and the second image sensor may be configured toreflect the parameter information when the reflection signal isreceived.

The processor may be configured to calculate a time to transmit thereflection signal, based on characteristics of the first image sensorand the second image sensor, a hardware configuration and performance ofthe electronic device.

The processor may be configured to calculate a float time based on atime taken for the parameter information to be transmitted to an outputqueue of an inter integrated circuit (I2C) channel, and a time taken forthe parameter information to be outputted from the output queue, and totransmit the reflection signal after the float time.

The processor may be configured to determine the parameter informationin real time by an operation of a camera module.

The processor may be configured to determine the parameter information,based on at least one of setting of a user, a state of the electronicdevice, a shooting mode set in the electronic device, characteristics ofthe first image sensor and the second image sensor, or whether the firstimage sensor and the second image sensor are operated.

The electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may includethe first image sensor 230-1, the second image sensor 230-2 electricallyconnected with the first image sensor through a first interface (forexample, the GPIO 237); and the processor 120 include a second interface(for example, the signal line 127) connected with the first imagesensor, and the processor may be configured to: determine parameterinformation for controlling the first image sensor and the second imagesensor regarding shooting; transmit the determined parameter informationto the first image sensor and the second image sensor; and transmit areflection signal for use of the parameter information through thesecond interface, and the first image sensor may be configured toreceive the reflection signal from the processor through the secondinterface, and to transmit the reflection signal to the second imagesensor through the first interface to cause the second image sensor touse the parameter information in response to the reflection signal.

The first image sensor may be configured to determine a time to transmitthe reflection signal by considering a time taken for the parameterinformation to be transmitted to the second image sensor.

The first image sensor may be configured to use the parameterinformation after transmitting the reflection signal.

The second image sensor may be configured to receive the parameterinformation, and to delay an operation of using the parameterinformation until the reflection signal is received.

An image sensor (for example, the first image sensor 230-1) according tovarious embodiments may be connected with an external image sensor (forexample, the second image sensor 230-2) through a designated interface,and may be configured to receive parameter information from an externalprocessor (for example, the processor 120), and to transmit a reflectionsignal to the external image sensor to cause the external image sensorto use the parameter information received from the external sensor inresponse to the reflection signal.

The image sensor may be configured to transmit the reflection signal tothe external image sensor after receiving the parameter information.

The image sensor may be configured to use the parameter informationafter transmitting the reflection signal.

The image sensor may be configured to determine a time to transmit thereflection signal by considering a time taken for the parameterinformation to be transmitted to the external image sensor.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processor operating method of anelectronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in operation 501, the processor 120 of theelectronic device 101 may operate the camera module 180. The processor120 may operate the camera module 180 based on a user input. Forexample, when a camera application is selected from a list ofapplications (for example, a plurality of icons displayed in a homescreen) installed in the electronic device 101 (for example, a cameraicon is selected), the processor 120 may operate the camera module 180.Alternatively, when a camera function included in an application otherthan the camera application is selected while the application is beingexecuted, the processor 120 may operate the camera module 180.Alternatively, when a user input related to operating of the cameramodule 180 (for example, selection of a camera button or a predeterminedinput) is detected on a lock screen of the electronic device 101, theprocessor 120 may operate the camera module 180.

When the camera module 180 is operated, an image obtained from thecamera module 180 may be displayed on the display device 160 of theelectronic device 101 as a preview image. The preview image may refer todisplaying the image obtained from the camera module 180 in real time onthe display device 160. However, while displaying the preview image orbefore or after displaying the preview image, the processor 120 mayperform operations 503 to 507.

In operation 503, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maydetermine parameter information for shooting. The processor 120 maydetermine parameter information based on at least one of setting of auser, a state (or a current state) of the electronic device 101, ashooting mode set in the electronic device 101, a characteristic (ortype) of the image sensor 230, or whether the image sensor 230 isoperated or not. The state of the electronic device 101 may be relatedto a surrounding environment (or situation), and may indicate whetherthe environment is dark or bright. The shooting mode may include variousmodes such as an auto mode, a portrait mode, a landscape mode, apanorama mode, a surround mode, or a night shooting mode. Thecharacteristic of the image sensor 230 may vary according to a shootingmethod of the image sensor 230 (CCD, CMOS), an operation speed, thenumber of pixels, hardware, or performance. When there are a pluralityof image sensors 230, only one image sensor may be used, only some ofthe image sensors, or all of the image sensors may be used according tosetting of the user or setting of the electronic device 101.

Since the processor 120 determines the parameter information accordingto a state of the electronic device 101, a shooting mode, characteristicof each image sensor, the parameter information may be differentaccording to a shooting mode even if the image sensors are image sensorsof the same type. Alternatively, if the image sensors are image sensorsof different types, an amount or a type of data included in theparameter information may be different. The parameter information mayinclude at least one of a shutter speed, an aperture, ISO, an exposuretime, a frame counter, a white balance, a magnification, or a gain. Inaddition, the parameter information may include various types or variousvalues according to a characteristic of the image sensor 230. Inaddition, the processor 120 may determine (or set) the parameterinformation in various methods. A method for determining the parameterinformation corresponds to related-art technology, and thus a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

In operation 505, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit first parameter information to a first image sensor (forexample, the first image sensor 230-1). The first parameter informationmay be parameter information of the first image sensor 230-1. Forexample, the processor 120 may transmit the first parameter informationto the first image sensor 230-1 through the first I2C channel 125physically connected with the first image sensor 230-1.

In operation 507, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit second parameter information to a second image sensor (forexample, the second image sensor 230-2). The second parameterinformation may be parameter information of the second image sensor230-2. The second parameter information may be the same as or differentfrom the first parameter information. The processor 120 may transmit thesecond parameter information to the second image sensor 230-2 throughthe second I2C channel 126 physically connected with the second imagesensor 230-2.

Although operation 505 and operation 507 are illustrated as beingdistinct from each other, operation 505 and operation 507 may beperformed at the same time. Alternatively, the processor 120 may performoperation 507 first, and then may perform operation 505.

In operation 509, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit a reflection signal to reflect the parameter information. Forexample, after transmitting the first parameter information and thesecond parameter information, respectively, the processor 120 maytransmit a reflection signal to reflect the first parameter informationto the first image sensor 230-1, and may transmit a reflection signal toreflect the second parameter information to the second image sensor230-2. To achieve this, the processor 120 may further include the signalline 127 physically connected with the first image sensor 230-1 and thesecond image sensor 230-2. The processor 120 may transmit the reflectionsignal to the first image sensor 230-1 through the signal line 127, andmay transmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2through the signal line 127. For example, the processor 120 may changethe address of the signal line 127, and may control the reflectionsignal to be transmitted to the first image sensor 230-1 and the secondimage sensor 230-2, respectively. The processor 120 according to variousembodiments may transmit the reflection signal only to the first imagesensor 230-1 through the signal line 127.

The processor 120 according to various embodiments may calculate a floattime based on a time taken for the parameter information to betransmitted to an output queue of the I2C channel (for example, thefirst I2C channel 125, the second I2C channel 126), and a time taken forthe parameter information to be outputted from the output queue. Forexample, the processor 120 may transmit the reflection signal after theflat time is elapsed after transmitting the parameter information. Theprocessor 120 may calculate an optimum float time, based oncharacteristics of the plurality of image sensors 230-1, 230-2, and ahardware configuration and performance of the electronic device 101.

Operation 509 may be omitted. For example, the processor 120 maytransmit only the parameter information to the plurality of imagesensors 230-1, 230-2.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowchart illustrating a master image sensor operatingmethod of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a master imagesensor.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in operation 601, the first image sensor 230-1 ofthe electronic device 101 may receive parameter information (forexample, first parameter information) from the processor 120. The firstimage sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameter information throughthe I2C channel 231 physically connected with the processor 120.

In operation 603, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may determine a time to reflect the parameter information. Forexample, after receiving a reflection signal from the processor 120, acontroller (for example, an MCU) of the first image sensor 230-1 maydetermine a reflection time by considering a time at which secondparameter information is transmitted to the second image sensor 230-2.For example, when the first parameter information and the reflectionsignal are received at the N-th frame, the first image sensor 230-1 maydetermine the N+1-th frame as the reflection time. However, operation603 may be omitted. Alternatively, when the reflection signal isreceived from the processor 120, the first image sensor 230-1 may notperform operation 603 and may perform operation 605.

In operation 605, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may transmit the reflection signal including the reflection time toa slave image sensor (for example, the second image sensor 230-2). Thereflection signal may be generated at the first image sensor 230-1 ormay be received from the processor 120. The first image sensor maytransmit the reflection signal through the GPIO 233 physically connectedwith the second image sensor 230-2.

In operation 607, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may reflect the first parameter information at the reflection time.When the first parameter information is reflected at the first imagesensor 230-1, a preview image displayed on the display device 160 of theelectronic device 101 may be changed. For example, brightness,sharpness, coloration, etc. of the preview image may be changed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method for each frame inthe master image sensor.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in operation 701, the first image sensor 230-1 ofthe electronic device 101 may receive parameter information (forexample, first parameter information) from the processor 120 at the N-thframe. The first image sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameterinformation through the I2C channel 231 at the N-th frame.

In operation 703, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may determine to reflect the parameter information at the N+2-thframe. For example, the first image sensor 230-1 may receive the firstparameter information and a reflection signal at the N-th frame, but thesecond image sensor 230-2 may receive second parameter information atthe N+1-th frame. According to a related-art method, parameterinformation is reflected as soon as the parameter information isreceived, and thus the first image sensor 230-1 may reflect the firstparameter information at the N+1-th frame, and the second image sensor230-2 may reflect the second parameter information at the N+2-th frame,and accordingly, there may be a time difference in the N+1-th framebetween an image obtained by the second image sensor 230-2 and an imageobtained by the first image sensor 230-1.

However, in the present disclosure, even when the first image sensor320-1 receives the first parameter information at the N-th frame, thefirst image sensor 230-1 may wait until the second image sensor 230-2receives the second parameter information, and then, may reflect thefirst parameter information at the N+2-th frame, such that there is notime difference between images obtained by the first image sensor 230-1and the second image sensor 230-2 in all of the N-th, N+1-th, N+2-thframes.

However, operation 703 may be omitted. When the reflection signal isreceived from the processor 120, the first image sensor 230-1 may notperform operation 703 and may perform operation 705.

In operation 705, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may transmit a reflection signal including the reflection time tothe slave image sensor (for example, the second image sensor 230-2) atthe N+1-th frame. The reflection signal may be generated at the firstimage sensor 230-1 or may be received from the processor 120. The firstimage sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameter information at theN-th frame and may transmit the reflection signal at the N+1-th frame.The first image sensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signal at theN+1-th frame by considering a delay time taken until the secondparameter information is transmitted to the second image sensor 230-2.

In operation 707, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may reflect the first parameter information at the N+2-th frame.When the first parameter information is reflected at the first imagesensor 230-1, a preview image displayed on the display device 160 of theelectronic device 101 may be changed, For example, brightness,sharpness, coloration, etc. of the preview image may be changed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a slave image sensor operating methodof an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in operation 801, the second image sensor 230-2 ofthe electronic device 101 may receive parameter information (forexample, second parameter information) from the processor 120. Thesecond image sensor 230-2 may receive the second parameter informationthrough the I2C channel 235 physically connected with the processor 120.

In operation 803, the second image sensor 230-2 of the electronic device101 may receive a reflection signal including a reflection time. Thereflection signal maybe received from a master image sensor (forexample, the first image sensor 230-1) or may be received through theprocessor 120. For example, the second image sensor 230-2 may receivethe reflection signal through the GPIO 237 physically connected with thefirst image sensor 230-1. Alternatively, the second image sensor 230-2may receive the reflection signal through the GPIO 237 physicallyconnected with the processor 120.

In operation 805, the second image sensor 230-2 of the electronic device101 may reflect the second parameter information at the reflection time.When the second image sensor 230-2 reflects the second parameterinformation, a preview image displayed on the display device 160 of theelectronic device 101 may be changed. For example, brightness,sharpness, coloration, etc. of the preview image may be changed.

For example, when the second image sensor 230-2 receives the secondparameter information at the N-th frame and receives the reflectionsignal at the N+1-th frame, the second image sensor 230-2 may reflectthe second parameter information at the N+2-th frame. Alternatively,when the second image sensor 230-2 receives the second parameterinformation and the reflection signal at the N+1-th frame, the secondimage sensor 230-2 may reflect the second parameter information at theN+2-th frame.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a processorand a plurality of image sensors according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in operation 901, the processor 120 of theelectronic device 101 may determine parameter information. For example,the processor 120 may determine first parameter information for thefirst image sensor 230-1, and may determine second parameter informationfor the second image sensor 230-2. The first parameter information andthe second parameter information may be the same as or different fromeach other.

In operation 903, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the first parameter information to the first image sensor230-1. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the first parameterinformation to the first image sensor 230-1 through the first I2Cchannel 125.

In operation 904, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the second parameter information to the second image sensor230-2. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second I2Cchannel 126.

Although it is illustrated that operation 903 and operation 904 aredistinct from each other, operation 903 and operation 904 may beperformed at the same time. Alternatively, the processor 120 may performoperation 904 first, and may perform operation 903 later.

In operation 905, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may transmit a reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2.The first image sensor 230-1 may receive the first parameter informationfrom the processor 120 through the I2C channel 231. The first imagesensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signal after receiving thefirst parameter information from the processor 120. The first imagesensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signal to the second imagesensor 230-2 through the GPIO 233.

In operation 907, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may reflect the first parameter information. In operation 909, thesecond image sensor 230-2 of the electronic device 101 may reflect thesecond parameter information. That is, even when the first image sensor230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 receive the parameterinformation, respectively, at different times, the times at which theparameter is reflected may be synchronized with each other (for example,may be made to coincide with each other) by the reflection signaltransmitted by the first image sensor 230-1.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of reflecting parameterinformation at different times in a plurality of image sensors accordingto various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to a related-art method, the processor120 may transmit parameter information to the first image sensor 230-1and the second image sensor 230-2 at a first time 1010. For example, theparameter information may indicate that an exposure time is changed from10 ms to 40 ms, and frame per second (fps) is changed from 30 f to 24 f.However, the first image sensor 230-1 may receive the parameterinformation (for example, first parameter information) at a second time1020, and the second image sensor 230-2 may receive the parameterinformation (for example, second parameter information) at a third time1030. That is, even when the processor 120 transmits the parameterinformation simultaneously, there may be a delay time in transmittinginformation between I2C channels due to system limitations. In thiscase, the time (for example, the second time 1020) at which the firstimage sensor 230-1 receives the first parameter information, and thetime (for example, the third time 1030) at which the second image sensor230-2 receives the second parameter information may be different fromeach other. That is, there may be a time difference 1025 between thesecond time 1020 and the third time 1030.

Furthermore, according to the related-art method, the first image sensor230-1 may reflect the first parameter information at a fourth time 1040,and the second image sensor 230-2 may reflect the second parameterinformation at a fifth time 1050. That is, since the first image sensor230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 reflect the parameterinformation at different times, there may be a time difference 1060between a frame obtained by the first image sensor 230-1 and a frameobtained by the second image sensor 230-2. In this case, the frameobtained by the first image sensor 230-1 and the frame obtained by thesecond image sensor 230-2 are synchronized before, but, when the changedparameter is applied, a frame of a first image obtained by the firstimage sensor 230-1 and a frame of a second image obtained by the secondimage sensor 230-2 may not be synchronized with each other due to a timedifference in reflecting the parameter, and accordingly, motions of anobject overlap each other or sharpness of the image may be reduced. Inaddition, a separate command may be required to synchronize theasynchronized frames again, or a time may be required until the sensorsare synchronized with each other by referring to a separate signal.

That is, according to the present disclosure, even when the plurality ofimage sensors 230-1, 230-2 receive the parameter information atdifferent times, the times to reflect the parameter information may besynchronized with each other.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of reflecting parameterinformation in the plurality of image sensors at the same time accordingto various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the processor 120 according to the presentdisclosure may transmit parameter information to the first image sensor230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 at a first time 1110. Forexample, the parameter information may indicate that an exposure time ischanged from 10 ms to 40 ms, and frame per second (fps) is changed from30 f to 24 f However, the first image sensor 230-1 may receive theparameter information (for example, first parameter information) at asecond time 1120, and the second image sensor 230-2 may receive theparameter information (for example, second parameter information) at athird time 1130. That is, even when the processor 120 transmits thefirst parameter information and the second parameter information at thesame time, the time (for example, the second time 1120) at which thefirst image sensor 230-1 receives the first parameter information, andthe time (for example, the third time 1130) at which the second imagesensor 230-2 receives the second parameter information may be differentfrom each other, and thus there may be a time difference 1125.

However, the processor 120 or the first image sensor 230-1 according tothe present disclosure may transmit a reflection signal at a fourth time1140. In this case, the first image sensor 230-1 may reflect the firstparameter information at a fifth time 1150, and the second image sensor230-2 may reflect the second parameter information at the fifth time1150. That is, even when the first image sensor 230-1 and the secondimage sensor 230-2 receive the parameter information, the first imagesensor 230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 may wait until thereflection signal is received, and, when the reflection signal isreceived at the fourth time 1140, may reflect the parameter informationsimultaneously at the fifth time 1150. In this case, a frame of a firstimage obtained by the first image sensor 230-1 and a frame of a secondimage obtained by the second image sensor 230-2 may be synchronized witheach other, and thus, the first image and the second image may beobtained at the same time.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of aprocessor and a plurality of image sensors according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting bothparameter information and a reflection signal at the processor.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in operation 1201, the processor 120 of theelectronic device 101 may determine parameter information. For example,the processor 120 may determine first parameter information for thefirst image sensor 230-1, and may determine second parameter informationfor the second image sensor 230-2. The first parameter information andthe second parameter information may be the same as or different fromeach other.

In operation 1203, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the first parameter information to the first image sensor230-1. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the first parameterinformation to the first image sensor 230-1 through the first I2Cchannel 125.

In operation 1204, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the second parameter information to the second image sensor230-2. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second I2Cchannel 126.

Although it is illustrated that operation 1203 and operation 1204 aredistinct from each other, operation 1240 may be performed first andoperation 1203 may be performed later, or operation 1203 and operation1204 may be performed at the same time.

In operation 1205, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit a reflection signal to the first image sensor 230-1. Theprocessor 120 may transmit the reflection signal to the first imagesensor 230-1 through a signal line (for example, the signal line 127).

In operation 1206, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2. Theprocessor 120 may transmit the reflection signal to the second imagesensor 230-2 through a signal line (for example, the signal line 127).The reflection signal may be divided through the signal line 127, andmay be transmitted to the GPIO 233 of the first image sensor 230-1 andthe GPIO 237 of the second image sensor 230-2. The processor 120 maycalculate a float time based on characteristics of the plurality ofimage sensors 230-1, 230-2, a hardware configuration and performance ofthe electronic device 101. The processor 120 may transmit the reflectionsignal after the float time.

In operation 1207, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may reflect the first parameter information. In operation 1209, thesecond image sensor 230-2 of the electronic device 101 may reflect thesecond parameter information. That is, even when the first image sensor230-1 and the second image sensor 230-2 receive the parameterinformation, respectively, at different times, the times at which theparameter is reflected may be synchronized with each other (for example,made to coincide with each other) by the reflection signal transmittedby the processor 120.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which a processortransmits parameter information and a master image sensor transmits areflection signal.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in operation 1301, the processor 120 of theelectronic device 101 may determine parameter information. For example,the processor 120 may determine first parameter information for thefirst image sensor 230-1, and may determine second parameter informationfor the second image sensor 230-2. The first parameter information andthe second parameter information may be the same as or different fromeach other.

In operation 1303, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the first parameter information to the first image sensor230-1. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the first parameterinformation to the first image sensor 230-1 through the first I2Cchannel 125.

In operation 1304, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 maytransmit the second parameter information to the second image sensor230-2. For example, the processor 120 may transmit the second parameterinformation to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second I2Cchannel 126.

Although it is illustrated that operation 1303 and operation 1304 aredistinct from each other, operation 1304 may be performed first andoperation 1303 may be performed later, or operation 1303 and operation1304 may be performed at the same time.

In operation 1305, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may receive a reflection signal from the processor 120. Theprocessor 120 may transmit the reflection signal instructing to reflectthe first parameter information to the first image sensor 230-1 throughthe signal line 127. The first image sensor 230-1 may receive thereflection signal instructing to reflect the first parameter informationfrom the processor 120 through the first GPIO 232.

In operation 1306, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may determine a time to reflect the parameter information. The firstimage sensor 230-1 may determine a time to transmit the reflectionsignal, based on a delay time at which the second parameter informationis transmitted to the second image sensor 230-2. For example, when thefirst parameter information is received at the N-th frame, the firstimage sensor 230-1 may determine the N+1-th frame as the reflectiontime.

In operation 1307, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may transmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2.For example, the first image sensor 230-1 may transmit the reflectionsignal to the second image sensor 230-2 through the second GPIO 233.

In operation 1309, the first image sensor 230-1 of the electronic device101 may reflect the first parameter information. In operation 1311, thesecond image sensor 230-2 of the electronic device 101 may reflect thesecond parameter information. That is, when the first image sensor 230-1and the second image sensor 230-2 receive the parameter information,respectively, at different times, the times to reflect the parameter maybe synchronized with each other (for example, made to coincide with eachother) by the reflection signal transmitted from the processor 120.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of transmitting a reflectionsignal from a master image sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the first image sensor 230-1 may receive areflection signal from the processor 120 through the first GPIO 232 at afirst time 1410. The first image sensor 230-1 may determine a time totransmit the reflection signal, based on a delay time at which thesecond parameter information is transmitted to the second image sensor230-2. The first image sensor 230-1 may transmit the reflection signalto the second image sensor 230-2 through the second GPIO 233 at a secondtime 1420. That is, the first image sensor 230-1 may transmit thereflection signal to the second image sensor 230-2 after a timedifference 1415 from the first time 1410 at which the reflection signalis received from the processor 120. The first image sensor 230-1 maycontrol the parameter information to be reflected from F4 frames byconsidering the time taken for the second parameter information to betransmitted to the second image sensor 230-2 and the time taken for thereflection signal to arrive at the second image sensor 230-2.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one ofvarious types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include,for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), acomputer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medicaldevice, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According toan embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limitedto those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the presentdisclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit thetechnological features set forth herein to particular embodiments andinclude various changes, equivalents, or replacements for acorresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of thedrawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar orrelated elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a nouncorresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unlessthe relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, eachof such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one ofA or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least oneof A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the itemsenumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As usedherein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may beused to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, anddoes not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance ororder). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or“communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or“connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means thatthe element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g.,wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented inhardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used withother terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or“circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimumunit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. Forexample, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in aform of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software(e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that arestored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101).For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g.,the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or moreinstructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with orwithout using one or more other components under the control of theprocessor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at leastone function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The oneor more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or acode executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage mediummay be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein,the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is atangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagneticwave), but this term does not differentiate between where data issemi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data istemporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments ofthe disclosure may be included and provided in a computer programproduct. The computer program product may be traded as a product betweena seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed inthe form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded)online via an application store (e.g., PLAYSTORE), or between two userdevices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at leastpart of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or atleast temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such asmemory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store,or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or aprogram) of the above-described components may include a single entityor multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more ofthe above-described components may be omitted, or one or more othercomponents may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality ofcomponents (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a singlecomponent. In such a case, according to various embodiments, theintegrated component may still perform one or more functions of each ofthe plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they areperformed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components beforethe integration. According to various embodiments, operations performedby the module, the program, or another component may be carried outsequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or moreof the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, orone or more other operations may be added.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a first imagesensor; a second image sensor electrically connected with the firstimage sensor through a first interface; and a processor electricallyconnected with the first image sensor and the second image sensorthrough a second interface, wherein the processor is configured to:determine parameter information for controlling the first image sensorand the second image sensor regarding shooting; and transmit theparameter information to the first image sensor and the second imagesensor through the second interface, wherein the first image sensor isconfigured to: determine a reflection time based on a time at which theprocessor transmitted the parameter information to the second imagesensor; transmit a reflection signal to the second image sensor throughthe first interface, wherein the reflection signal indicates thereflection time to reflect the parameter information; and reflect theparameter information at the reflection time, and wherein the secondimage sensor is configured to, in response to receiving the reflectionsignal, reflect the parameter information at the reflection time.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: determine first parameter information corresponding tothe first image sensor; determine second parameter informationcorresponding to the second image sensor; transmit the first parameterinformation to the first image sensor; and transmit the second parameterinformation to the second image sensor.
 3. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first image sensor is further configured totransmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor afterreceiving the parameter information.
 4. The electronic device of claim1, wherein the second image sensor is further configured to: receive theparameter information; and after receiving the parameter information,delay an operation of using the parameter information until thereflection signal is received.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the first image sensor is further configured to reflect theparameter information after transmitting the reflection signal.
 6. Anelectronic device comprising: a first image sensor; a second imagesensor; a processor; a first interface connecting the processor with thefirst image sensor and the second image sensor; and a second interfaceconnecting the processor with the first image sensor and the secondimage sensor, wherein the processor is configured to: determineparameter information for controlling the first image sensor and thesecond image sensor regarding shooting; transmit the parameterinformation to the first image sensor and the second image sensorthrough the second interface; determine a float time associated with atime taken for the parameter information to be transmitted to the firstimage sensor and the second image sensor; and transmit a reflectionsignal to the first image sensor and the second image sensor through thefirst interface, wherein the reflection signal indicates a reflectiontime to reflect the parameter information, the reflection time beingdetermined based on the float time, wherein the first image sensor isconfigured to, in response to receiving the reflection signal, reflectthe parameter information at the reflection time, and wherein the secondimage sensor is configured to, in response to receiving the reflectionsignal, reflect the parameter information at the reflection time.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: determine first parameter information corresponding tothe first image sensor and second parameter information corresponding tothe second image sensor; and transmit the first parameter information tothe first image sensor and transmit the second parameter information tothe second image sensor.
 8. The electronic device of claim 6, whereinthe processor is further configured to transmit the reflection signalthrough the first interface after transmitting the parameterinformation.
 9. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processoris further configured to calculate a time to transmit the reflectionsignal, based on characteristics of the first image sensor and thesecond image sensor, a hardware configuration,. and performance of theelectronic device.
 10. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: calculate the float time based on atime taken for the parameter information to be transmitted to an outputqueue of an inter integrated circuit (I2C) channel, and a time taken forthe parameter information to be outputted from the output queue; andtransmit the reflection signal after the float time.
 11. The electronicdevice of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured todetermine the parameter information based on at least one of a settingof a user, a state of the electronic device, a shooting mode set in theelectronic device, characteristics of the first image sensor and thesecond image sensor, or whether the first image sensor and the secondimage sensor are being operated.
 12. An electronic device comprising: afirst image sensor; a second image sensor electrically connected withthe first image sensor through a first interface; and a processorconnected with the first image sensor through a second interface,wherein the processor is configured to: determine parameter informationfor controlling the first image sensor and the second image sensorregarding shooting; transmit the parameter information to the firstimage sensor and the second image sensor; and transmit a reflectionsignal for use of the parameter information through the secondinterface, and wherein the first image sensor is configured to: receivethe reflection signal from the processor through the second interface;and transmit the reflection signal to the second image sensor throughthe first interface to cause the second image sensor to use theparameter information in response to the reflection signal.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: determine first parameter information corresponding tothe first image sensor, and second parameter information correspondingto the second image sensor; and transmit the first parameter informationto the first image sensor, and transmit the second parameter informationto the second image sensor.
 14. The electronic device of claim 12,wherein the first image sensor is further configured to: determine atime to transmit the reflection signal by considering a time taken forthe parameter information to be transmitted to the second image sensor;and use the parameter information after transmitting the reflectionsignal to the second image sensor, and wherein the second image sensoris further configured to: receive the parameter information from theprocessor; delay an operation of using the parameter information untilthe reflection signal is received; and use the parameter informationafter receiving the reflection signal from the first image sensor.